Amarnath Yatra: BSF well-prepared to ensure pilgrimage is peaceful

Noting that threat perception for the Amarnath Yatra this year was very high, BSF DG K K Sharma today said that the BSF and security forces were well-prepared to ensure that the yatra passed off peacefully.

"The situation is very tense this year. This time there is a high level of threat perception. We have taken all precautions regarding deployment of forces and our commandos," Sharma told reporters on the sidelines of a BSF programme here.

"We will ensure that it passes off peacefully like previous years," he said.

The annual Amarnath Yatra, which begins on June 29, will end on August 7.

The shrine is situated at an altitude of 12,756 feet and is about 141 km from Srinagar.

The Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB), which conducts the annual pilgrimage, has issued advisories for it, saying people who wish to trek to the shrine must furnish medical certificates.

It has said that those below 13 or above 75 years of age will not be allowed to join the pilgrimage.